Skyler Brown

TL;DR Eternals is by far one of the best movies of 2021, transcending the superhero genre and well worth a watch by both superhero fans and typical critics. The characters and plot are heartbreakingly human despite their otherworldly origins. Chloé Zhao masterfully crafted one of, if not the, most diverse and transcendent films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. _________________________________________________________________________ As a lifelong Marvel fan, and woman of color who has long wished for more diversity in the films, I was beside myself with excitement for Eternals. The movie could not have surprised, and exceeded my expectations more. It was by far the most complete and well-rounded superhero movie I have seen. Each character had such depth and realness. Each skillfully acted, the characters were beautifully flawed. The movie was amazing in the most painful way. I am not surprised that the movie has received backlash. Beyond its diversity, the film does not shy away from criticizing humankind, nor does it make an effort to sugarcoat its characters or revelations. Despite it’s comedy, it did not have a feel-good or hopeful message that I have come to expect from Marvel movies. Instead, it paints a picture of how mankind is flawed and imperfect, prone to violence and judgement, fickle and forgetful. And yet all these flaws are intrinsically tied to what it means to be human, and tied to the beauty of humanity, to feel with such depth. And the eternals too fall into this dynamic. My only criticisms are minor. [Disclaimer, spoilers ahead] I failed to become attached or care at all for Dane. At the end of the movie, I expected and hoped for Sersi to sever her attachment to him. On one hand, she had grown so much throughout the film that it felt demeaning and unnecessary for her to end up with a man. It would have been a more complete character arc for her to begin the next installment unattached. I understand he served to demonstrate her connection to mankind, however I felt this was well demonstrated through her other interactions. On his own, Dane was mildly annoying and a bit useless. And in the shadow of Ikaris and Sersi, he seemed more than a little insignificant. So much of the film was about Sersi and Ikaris’ past and present dynamic. This by far overshadowed any connection Sersi has with Bane. In no way would I have preferred Ikaris and Sersi to rekindle their relationship, but much of the movie was about their dynamic and connection. And in turn, it felt odd that Sersi would remain with Dane after wrestling, reliving, and finally ending her much more significant relationship with Ikaris. However, this is minor. I cannot recommend Eternals enough. It was a departure from past Marvel movies, certainly darker and more serious. And perhaps more worth a watch be cause of it. It demonstrates the growth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not that past films are not equally worth their merit. I hope we can appreciate each for their differences and merits.